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Recognizing the week of September 15 through September 21, 2025 as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Philadelphia, and acknowledging the outstanding efforts of community-based organizations working to ensure that all children have the essential items needed to thrive and survive.
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WHEREAS, Diaper insecurity is the inability to afford enough diapers to keep an infant or child dry, clean, and healthy. Diapers are one of the most crucial parts of dressing a young child, yet children experiencing diaper need face harmful health outcomes, as do their parents and caregivers. This has grown into a public health issue that negatively impacts the mental, physical, and economic health of guardians and children; and
WHEREAS, A monthly supply of diapers costs between $50 to $120 per child. The average infant wears up to 12 diapers a day or 360 diapers a month. There are no comprehensive state or federal government programs to help parents with this cost, and neither SNAP nor WIC benefits can be used to buy diapers; and
WHEREAS, Studies show that one in three families nationally experience diaper insecurity, causing them to choose between buying diapers and other necessary expenditures, such as food, healthcare, and utilities. Low-income and Black and Brown families are disproportionately affected by diaper insecurity, due to unemployment, lack of education, homelessness, limited access to resources, and food insecurity; and
WHEREAS, The impact of diaper insecurity has heightened the risk of maternal depression, infections in children, and increases the likelihood of being denied admittance into childcare facilities due to not having a sufficient diaper supply. Lack of diapers can lead to health issues for babies and high levels of stress for caregivers; and
WHEREAS, Philadelphia is proud to be home to many organizations working to address diaper insecurity, including Cradles to Crayons, the Center for Leadership/Fresh Bottoms Diaper Bank, Pamper and Diaper M...
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